Let’s take a look at two examples “either my brother or my sister is going to the meeting” and “either my brother and my sister is going to the meeting.” Which one do you think is using correlative conjunctions correctly? It’s the first one because the first one has joined two singular nouns ("my brother" and "my sister") and is followed by a singular verb ("is"). This is a basic rule of using these conjunctions effectively in a sentence. In our Blog below, we have talked about more such rules, along with a few correlative conjunctions examples in sentences to help you understand their use case and what they are. So read on!
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To put the correlative conjunction meaning simply, they are a type of conjunction that we use to show how two different sentences connect. These are generally a pair of words that work together to connect two different parts of a sentence. An example of these paired conjunctions includes, either/or “You can either eat ice cream or cake.
However, do keep in mind that while correlative conjunction generally show correlation between two words and phrases, they don’t necessarily have to. There are many instances where the words or phrases that are linked with the help of correlative conjunctions can also be discussed independently.
Let’s take a look at a few more correlative conjunctions examples below:
Note: You need to follow three main rules when using correlative conjunctions. This includes verb agreement, pronoun agreement, and parallel structure.
Many dictionaries have given correlative conjunctions definition, some of the top ones include “either member of a matched pair of words, of which the second is a coordinating conjunction, as either … or, neither … nor, both … and, or not only … but” which is given by dictionary.com. Similarly, as per Yourdictionary.com, it is defined as “Either of a pair of conjunctions, such as either ... or or both ... and, that connect two parts of a sentence and are not used adjacent to each other. The second of the pair is always a coordinating conjunction.”
Now that you understand the correlative conjunction meaning, there are also a few rules that you can keep in mind while using correlative conjunctions in a sentence effectively. These include:
1. The words, phrases, or clauses that you want to join need to be in the same grammatical form. Let’s say you want to connect two different nouns; then both of them need to be nouns. For example, she likes both coffee and tea.
2. To link a subject in a sentence, the verb needs to agree with the subject that is closest to it. For example, if the subject is singular, then the verbs should be singular as well (e.g., Either Emma or the twins watches the cake)
3. If there are two subjects in a sentence and one is singular while the other is plural, then the verb needs to agree with the plural subject. For example, “neither the mechanic nor the customers watch.”
4. With correlative conjunctions, we can connect any two adjectives, two nouns, two verbs, or phrases.
5. Lastly, we don’t usually use commas with paired conjunctions. However, if there is a comma next to it, then it is for either separating a modifier, phrase, or word.
Below is a correlative conjunctions list that can help you better understand what they are and what their use case is. In addition to the list, we have also given some correlative conjunctions examples in sentences, which can help you know how you can use them in everyday conversation:
| Correlative Conjunction Pair | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Either/or | Either you join us now, or you miss out. |
| Neither/nor | Neither the dog nor the cat made a sound. |
| Both/and | She is both intelligent and hardworking. |
| not only/but also | Not only is he fast, but he’s also accurate. |
| Whether/or | Whether you agree or not, we’re moving forward. |
| As/as | He’s as tall as his older brother. |
| no sooner/than | No sooner had we arrived than it started raining. |
| Such/that | It was such a good movie that I watched it twice. |
| Rather/than | I’d rather stay home than go out tonight. |
| just as/so | Just as the moon controls the tides, so emotions control behaviour. |
To make sure that your sentences follow correct grammatical structure and clarity while using correlative conjunctions, you can try to avoid these common mistakes below:
1. Not having a parallel structure and mismatching the elements in a sentence. A correct correlative conjunctions example would be, “not only did he finish his dinner, but also went to bed early,” which is incorrect as it does not maintain parallelism. The correct is “not only did he finish his dinner, but he also went to bed early.”
2. Misplacing conjunctions in your sentence can affect the clarity and correctness of a sentence. So, make sure that you position them clearly to link the elements.
3. Not making the verb agree with the subject and pronoun agreeing in number and person with the noun they refer to.
4. Using the wrong conjunction, for example, using "neither...or" instead of "neither...nor" is incorrect.
5. While correlative conjunctions connect elements, avoid overusing them or creating overly complex sentences that become unclear.
Here is a correlative conjunctions Exercise that will help you practice applying the rules of parallel structure and understanding the specific relationships each pair conveys. Take a look
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct correlative conjunction pair:
1. __________ the teacher __________ the students were prepared for the exam.
2. She wants to __________ travel to Europe __________ study abroad.
3. __________ he studied hard, __________ he failed the test.
4. I will __________ call you __________ send you a message.
5. It was __________ a hot day __________ we decided to go swimming.
6. He is __________ strong __________ fast.
7. You can __________ come with us __________ stay at home.
8. __________ my mom __________ my dad knows how to swim.
9. She is __________ not interested in science __________ math.
10. __________ you like it __________ not, the rules won’t change.
Answer Key:
A. Fill in the Blanks
B. Identify the correlative conjunctions and underline them:
1. Neither the rain nor the wind could stop the parade.
2. He is both a skilled musician and a talented painter.
3. I would rather read a book than watch a movie.
4. No sooner had we left than the phone rang.
5. Just as the sun sets, so the stars appear.
6. She is not only intelligent but also very kind.
7. Either we leave now, or we miss the bus.
8. He is as brave as a lion.
9. The movie was such a hit that it broke box office records.
10. Whether you agree or not, the decision has been made.
Answer Key:
B. Underlined Correlative Conjunctions
In conclusion, using correlative conjunctions in a sentence can help you connect two equal parts of a sentence and make your speech clearer. However, understanding them and distinguishing them from other types of conjunctions can get a little difficult. In addition to our blog and correlative conjunctions exercise above, you can also take help from our experts at Gradding.com to improve your understanding of various grammatical structures, like parts of speech, and much more. Connect today!
1. What Type of Conjunction Always Comes in Pairs?
Correlative conjugations always come in pairs. We use them to connect two or more elements in a sentence that are equally important. These elements can be words, phrases, or clauses, and they always appear in conjunction with another word or words.
2. Can Correlative Conjunctions Connect Full Clauses?
If each of the clauses is grammatically correct, then yes, correlative conjunctions can connect full clauses, as well as words and phrases. For example, “Not only did he compete in the championship, but he also won it.” In this sentence, each part is an independent clause joined by the correlative pair “not only... but also.”
3. How are Correlative Conjunctions Different from Coordinating Conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link or connect similar or equivalent grammatical elements. For example, either…or, neither…nor. Whereas, coordinating conjunctions are single words that we use to join phrases, clauses, and even words. The main difference is that coordinating conjunctions appear singly and connect elements, and correlative conjunctions always come in pairs.
4. Are Correlative Conjunctions Used in Formal Writing?
Yes, we can use correlative conjunctions in formal writing because they can help in clarity and emphasis, conciseness and flow, and structuring arguments.
5. Do Correlative Conjunctions Affect Subject-Verb Agreement?
Yes, correlative conjunctions can affect the subject-verb agreement. The verb should agree with the subject that is closer to it. For example: “Neither the manager nor the employees are available.” Here, “employees” is plural and closest to the verb, so the verb is plural as well.
6. What is the Difference Between Subordinating and Correlative Conjunctions?
The main difference between subordinating and correlative conjunctions is that subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, while correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect two grammatically equal elements.
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